A Modern-Day Space Race: Artificial Intelligence is the New Frontier

More than 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy challenged America to land on the moon, a mission that solidified the U.S. as a global leader in space and technology. Today, the U.S. faces a new race – one that will determine the future of tech innovation and leadership for generations.

In this global tech race, America faces three significant obstacles: China, excessive global regulation, and the fear of the unknown. With the stakes incredibly high, it is imperative that leaders in Washington prioritize public policy that accelerates innovation and upholds American values.

A tech race between global superpowers is nothing new. President Kennedy embraced this challenge, setting a bold vision to put a man on the moon and proving U.S. resilience ahead of the Soviet Union. Now, the U.S. and its allies face an axis of authoritarian powers disrupting the world order. China, economically stronger than the Soviet Union at its peak, has invested $1.4 trillion to advance its technological capabilities. Our response must be equally ambitious, adopting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), America’s modern-day moonshot moment.

At its core, the race for global tech leadership isn’t just about national security and economics – it’s a competition of values. The West uses technology for growth, opportunity, expression, and fostering democracy. In contrast, China uses technology for censorship, control, suppression, and oppression.

America has a decades-long advantage in security, economic prosperity, and global influence. As pioneers of AI and the internet, we are well-positioned to lead. However, our advantage has been slowly eroding over the last 15 years. A recent Australian study concluded that China leads the United States in 37 of 44 critical and emerging technologies. Similarly, a Harvard study describes China as a “near-peer” competitor to the U.S. in AI, quantum computing, and other future technologies. This competition is fierce, and the race is short; a winner will be decided within the next decade. The decisions of today will significantly impact tomorrow’s outcome for this tech race.

California has consistently been a leader in American innovation, particularly in technology. However, its position is threatened by excessive regulations at both the federal and state levels. These regulations risk stifling the state’s ability to lead, especially in critical areas like AI. From Silicon Valley’s pioneering developments to California’s influence on the broader tech industry, the state’s unique innovation ecosystem is unmatched. But now, it faces significant challenges from proposed regulatory measures — including some its own home state lawmakers — that could weaken this vital economic engine.

During the past five years, Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice have all taken actions aimed at critical parts of this ecosystem. With 762 proposed bills attempting to regulate AI at the federal and state levels, there’s growing concern that these regulations will undermine mergers and stifle America’s largest innovators. While many larger companies can navigate this changing landscape, smaller companies and small businesses struggle and are particularly vulnerable.

States like New York, however, are taking a more supportive approach. The Empire AI initiative is committed to fostering innovation by creating a favorable environment for tech growth and development. This initiative contrasts sharply with the regulatory challenges faced in California and other regions, serving as a model for how states can support tech innovation while addressing concerns about new technologies like AI.

From a public policy perspective, we must replace fear and anxiety with optimism and excitement for the future. Americans are at our best when we’re optimistic and at our worst when we’re fearful.

Achieving this vision won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. This challenge is one we’re willing to accept, one we cannot postpone, and one we intend to win. The United States cannot afford to cede our technological edge to China.

Doug Kelly, Special to California Business Journal